100 Mile House's Panthers Volleyball is looking to grow as it begins its second season.
The U17 club volleyball team got its start last year thanks to the work of Shaun Ell, who helped found and organize the team. This year he's handed the reigns over to Panther's president and head coach Stacey Ounpuu who intends to keep the program running and growing. Ounpuu said she is taking on this task with the assistance of Nicole Johnson.
"Last year was our first year and we did a U16 team. We had 15 girls, which was fantastic and we had over 30 come out for tryouts last year," Ounpuu said. "The girls absolutely loved it and we played in three super series tournaments and in provincials. It was great for building their confidence and skills."
This year the Panthers are hosting tryouts on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School's gymnasium for $25 a person. Unlike last year this tryout is open to all genders, with Ounpuu hoping to get enough boys interested to form a boys team along with two teams of girls. They're welcoming U17-aged girls and U18-aged boys to come out, along with younger players who want to get a sense of the club.
Ounpuu said that the club's overall plan is to expand as they go and they're always looking for new coaches to help coach the team. In the future, in addition to a boys' team, Ounpuu would like to see the club have teams for younger age groups as well.
"There are a lot of talented athletes in this town and it would be nice for them to show us what they can do," Ounpuu said. "It sounds like the high school volleyball team was a big hit this year, so would be nice to see some of those girls come out."
Following tryouts, the Panthers' main practice season kicks off on Dec. 10 at Mile 108 Elementary School and the Lone Butte Community Hall. Ounpuu said they have had some trouble securing gym time lately and appreciate the space they've been able to get. She said they aim to do two practices a week.
Like last year, the Panthers intend to attend three club volleyball tournaments this year including one in Vancouver, one on Vancouver Island and one in the Interior whose location has not been decided yet. The Panthers also hope to set up some exhibition games against club teams from Quesnel and Prince George throughout the season before provincials in Richmond.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how far the girls have come. We've worked with a few girls over the summer just for fun and they do love playing. I just want to see us build on what we had last year," Ounpuu explained. "Shaun did a great job of starting the club and we're looking to expand, get more feedback and rank a little higher."
Ounpuu said the club also always welcomes any local businesses who would like to sponsor them. She noted the club has to pay for jerseys, gym space and tournament entry fees, so any little bit helps.
Anyone looking to find out more about the club or to sponsor it can reach out to Ounpuu at sounpuu@hotmail.com or 250-706-2060.
"Moving forward as we try to expand the Panthers volleyball club we really appreciate the community giving their support," Ounpuu said. "If we have games here in town, gym time depending, we'd appreciate all the ra ra we can get."
